Pages

Monday, 2 January 2017

Seb's GW20 Preview

Top Captain Picks

1. Sergio Agüero vs Burnley (home) - £12.8 (TSB 20.2%)

Agüero returned from suspension against Liverpool in GW19 but
could not inspire his side to a victory. He will be looking to atone for his
uncharacteristically poor performance this GW against Burnley. The Clarets have
conceded on average 25.83 shots per game against current top 6 opposition this
season. As a result, Agüero, who
is averaging a shot every 17.5 mins this season, should be able to punish the
Burnley defence, just as he did in GW13 where he netted a brace at Turf Moor.

2. Alexis Sánchez vs Bournemouth (away) - £11.9 (TSB 36.6%)

Sánchez seems to be on this list every week, but
with form and fixtures on his side, why wouldn't he be? Over the last 2
GWs, he has mustered 17 shots on goal (1 every 10.58 mins) and created 7
chances (1 every 25.71 mins). This GW, he faces a Bournemouth side at The
Vitality who are in reasonable form. However, they have conceded 15 goals in
their past 7 games, which is on average just over 2 per game. Therefore, Sánchez,
who is averaging 9 points per game away from home this season, should be able to carry on
with his excellent form and terrorise the Cherries, just as he did in GW13
where he bagged a brace against them.

3. Kevin De Bruyne vs Burnley (home) - £10.6 (TSB 8.5%)

I know that I already have a Manchester City player
on this list in Agüero , but I couldn’t resist placing De Bruyne on it too.
Although De Bruyne and Manchester City have failed against teams in the top 4,
they have excelled against teams below them on the ladder. This season against
lower opposition, De Bruyne has averaged 1 shot every 19.73 mins and has
created a chance every 19.29 mins. These stats clearly underpin De Bruyne’s
attacking potency. He clearly has the potential to greatly reward his owners in
GW20 by dominating a Burnley side who have conceded an average of 25.83 shots
per game against opposition in the current top 6.

4. Matt Phillips vs Hull (home) - £5.6 (TSB 12.0%)

After a slow start to the season, blanking in 7 of
his first 9 games, Matty Phillips came to life in the subsequent 9 games that
followed, only blanking 3 times. It is worth noting however that these three
blanks came against Chelsea, Manchester Untied and Arsenal, and that he has not
returned a blank against opposition lower on the table than West Brom since
GW6. In this 9 game period of form, Phillips has averaged 7.22 points per game,
which ranks 3rd amongst all midfielders, only slightly behind Sánchez
(7.33) and Eriksen (7.44). So, taking the three blanks against top 6 opposition
out of the equation, Phillips is averaging 9.5 points per game over this
period. In GW20, Phillips definitely has the ability and form to return the
points at home to Hull, who have conceded nearly 3 goals per away game this
season.

Differential Captain Picks

1. Andros Townsend vs Swansea (home) - £5.9 (TSB 2.1%)

Having started the season poorly under Pardew,
Andros Townsend is looking to rediscover the form he showed at the end of last
season. Over the past two games, he has taken a massive step in the right
direction. Big Sam has reinstated him to his favourite right wing position and
he has looked dangerous, mustering 2 shots in each game, registering 1 assist
and completing 7 crosses and 8 take ons. Townsend will look to build on
this form at home to Swansea in GW20, who have conceded a league high 44 goals
this season, and an average of 3.25 goals per game in their last 4. Also, last
time Townsend played Swansea (GW34 last season for Newcastle) he registered a
goal and assist, as well as 3 shots on target and 3 chances created.
Subsequently, Townsend is an excellent captaincy option in GW20 for those
looking for a differential.

2. Anthony Martial vs West Ham (away) - £9.3 (TSB 2.5%)

Reinstated to the starting XI against Middlesbrough
in GW19, Martial put in a superb performance. He was a constant threat, and
netted a goal, as well as registering 3 shots on target, hitting the post and
creating 2 chances. This performance should see him keep his place on the left
wing in GW20. This GW, he faces West Ham, who have conceded almost 3 goals per
game against top 6 opposition this season. Furthermore, Martial’s appeal this
GW is heightened by his incredible record against West Ham. In his past 4 games
against the Hammers, he has netted 5 goals, which bodes well for FPL managers
willing to take a punt on him this GW.

3. Divock Origi vs Sunderland (home) - £6.8 (TSB 9.4)

Dropped to the bench in GW19, Origi will probably
return to the starting XI this GW against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
With the return of Philippe Coutinho and full fitness of Daniel Sturridge
imminent, Origi will be looking to take his chance so that he can try to cement
a starting spot. This GW will provide him with an excellent opportunity to
prove his worth. Sunderland have conceded 7 goals in their past 2 games, and
are really struggling defensively. Subsequently, Origi should be able to use
his pace and trickery to dominate the Black Cats backline, just as he did in
GW13 where he netted in his side’s 2-0 win. It is also worth noting that
despite no goal in 2 league starts, Origi has only blanked once since his run
in the first team began in GW13, registering 4 goals and 2 assists. As a result, I
think that Origi may certainly stake his claims for a regular first team
position this GW with a big performance.

4. Alex Iwobi vs Bournemouth (away) - £5.8 (TSB 1.0%)

For those wanting to captain an Arsenal player in
GW20, but chasing points so reluctant to captain Alexis Sánchez, Iwobi is
your man. Theo Walcott is expected to miss out again, and there is no guarantee
that Özil will be ready either due to the short turn around. Thus, Iwobi is a
nailed-on starter at the moment. Over the past 2 matches he has begun to hit
some top form. In these 2 matches, he has netted a goal, registered 7 shots
(6 inside the box) and created 7 goal-scoring chances for his teammates.
Therefore, Iwobi has the form and fixture to excel in GW20.